In February 2022, Brittney Griner was arrested at a Russian airport after being found with vape cartridges containing cannabis oil. Although U.S. officials and the NBA worked hard to bring Griner back home, she was detained in prison for 10 months before she was released through a prisoner exchange. Throughout this time, Kim Mulkey remained publicly silent on Griner’s arrest and was asked during a press conference shared by LSU Sports, “I just wanted to get your thoughts on Brittney Griner’s situation and I don’t think I’ve seen anything from you on that.” Mulkey immediately cut him off and stated, “And you won’t.”
WNBA star Queen Egbo was quick to slam Mulkey. “A player that built Baylor, 2 national titles, & a 40-0 record. Yet her former coach refuses to say anything or simply just show any kind of support. Keep that in mind when you’re choosing schools,” she tweeted. Following Griner’s release, Mulkey admitted that she still hadn’t spoken to her but added (via Nola), “But I’m glad she’s back. I’m glad she’s safe, she’s sound. I think everybody is.”